Max HeyraudWe caught up with Chantel Kavanagh ahead of her Smirnoff Stage debut at Electric Picnic this weekend to chat about music production, equality in the industry, running parties and more.
Chantel Kavanagh took time out of her busy schedule to speak with us ahead of her Electric Picnic debut on the brand new Smirnoff Stage this weekend from August 16th to 18th. The stage will showcase a diverse range of established and emerging artists, fostering an inclusive environment where both artists and fans are treated equally and everyone can be themselves.
Chantel is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after names in Irish dance music right now. The young selector has established herself as a mainstay on the Irish festival circuit, renowned for her high-powered energy and reluctance to be held by one sound, Kavanagh has been consistently reinventing herself as a DJ, whether it’s elevating house, teeth-grinding techno cuts or vintage rave soaked Dublin anthems, she manages to weave together a mosaic of opposing forces that work under the potent umbrella sound that is her sound.
Kavanagh’s back catalogue of juggernaut performances across Ireland lives long in the memory of dancers across the island. The Dublin-based multidisciplinary artist has been at the helm of some of the country’s most lauded stages at Life Festival, BD Festival, Emerge, Boxed Off and Longitude, as well as a forthcoming debut at Electric Picnic at the Smirnoff Stage at Electric Picnic this weekend. With each performance, she solidifies her position as one of Ireland’s most powerful forces in dance.
Kavanagh’s never-ending hunt for those spine-tinglingly euphoric moments makes each set more refreshing than the previous, always shifting, delving, dynamically pushing herself to adapt, and building out a reputation as a selector who wears her heart on her sleeve. Her remarkable ability to read the room, understand the collective mood, and provide exactly what the situation requires remains close to unmatched. Her intuitive approach, which is both gutsy and trustworthy, leaves audiences with jaws dangling across the dancefloor every single time.
When were you first introduced to club culture in Ireland, and what drew you to it?
I’ve always had a strong love for music, so this naturally drew me towards exploring the scene here in Dublin. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to become a DJ but it wasn’t until later on when I started going to parties and experiencing DJs in clubs myself that I found myself really wanting to be on the other side of the decks, and creating those moments with people through music.
When did you play your first show, and how have your sound and influences evolved since then?
My first show was in 2018 at District 8 in the Tivoli Theatre, where I had the incredible opportunity to support Fisher. Since then, my sound has remained broad and versatile. I’ve always enjoyed experimenting and adapting my sets to fit the vibe of the night. This approach keeps my performances fresh and lets me explore different genres and styles.
You have a busy schedule on both club and festival levels in Ireland – how do you keep your sets fresh between shows?
To keep my sets fresh between shows, I make it a point to search for tracks tailored to each specific set, considering the time/venue. I’m always on the lookout for new music, but I also enjoy rediscovering older tracks that can add a twist. Keeping an open mind with your sets is key. I will always blend genres and styles, to make each set feel exciting. This keeps my sets dynamic but also makes sure I’m offering something new.
Staying on festivals for a moment, do you have any standout moments from festivals you’ve played at?
A standout moment for me was definitely Life Festival last year. I remember feeling so nervous before the set and honestly didn’t know what to expect. But once I got up on that stage that was all gone and Once I got into my set I knew exactly what was going to work and what to keep them involved and the energy I got back from the crowd was insane. Definitely a favourite gig of mine, it’s always nice to feel that kind of connection with a crowd.
You recently played a sold-out Index show, how was that?
Playing a sold-out show at Index was incredible. To be given opportunities to headline shows in clubs like Index and sell it out means everything to me. Dublin is also my hometown, so I always feel a better connection with the crowd here. There’s something special about the energy at Index any time I play there, you just don’t get that atmosphere anywhere else.
You also work as a graphic designer, so music isn’t your only creative expression. How did you get into it, and do you think it’s a valuable asset for a music artist?
I’ve always been drawn to different creative outlets like graphic design and photography for example. I would say I’m a naturally creative person so I find this type of work more enjoyable than work and they’re just another way for me to express myself. Things like graphic design are definitely valuable as a DJ whether it’s designing track artwork for an upcoming release or creating posters for gigs. It gives me more control over how my music is presented and allows me to bring my vision to life in my work.
You’ve frequently hosted your own parties, from Sexy Dancing shows to Chantel Kavanagh and Friends parties. What motivates you to run your own showcases?
When I started hosting Sexy Dancing parties in 2019 the main goal was to provide opportunities for other DJs who hadn’t yet had the chance to play in a club. I was fortunate to be given those opportunities at the time, and I really believe it’s important to bring others up with you as you grow. That same motivation is present at the Chantel Kavanagh and Friends parties. It’s also a great way to play on lineups with friends who share the same passion as you.
Both your productions and DJ sets aren’t restricted to a particular genre. Is this multifaceted approach to your art vital to you?
I don’t like to limit myself when it comes to music as I appreciate all genres and I definitely express that during my sets. When you are being creative I think it’s important to not put yourself in a certain box, as it can limit your creative process. It keeps things fresh for me in both productions and DJ sets and it allows me to keep evolving as an artist.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a track?
My creative process starts with finding inspiration which usually involves flicking through YouTube/Discogs, especially in different genres which might spark an idea for me. This also helps overcome any creative block. I’ve developed a personal sound library as well over the years within Ableton, so I can easily flick through the presets I’ve saved and my samples so I can easily drag and drop stuff which helps speed up the creative process as well. I use these to then start building the track, experimenting with different elements to shape the sound and keep the creative flow going from there.
You’ll be playing at Electric Picnic on the Smirnoff Stage this weekend; what can we expect?
It will be my first time playing at Electric Picnic so I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. With it being a late-night set I will definitely be pushing the pace a bit more and touching on some tracks that might not work during a daytime set. I’m really excited about it.
Do you have any advice for aspiring Irish female DJs looking to get into the scene?
My number one advice would be don’t hold back. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there as a female in a male-dominated scene and there might be a lot of doubt within yourself self but you have to push through it and get yourself out there more, get mixes up online and make yourself seen.
